A FOOTBALL fanatic from Worcestershire has set up a supporters' club for Britain's worst team - and is due to fulfil his dream of seeing them in action today.

Jon Hale has travelled 340 miles to see East Stirlingshire, rooted to the bottom of the Scottish Third Division, take on Elgin City.

It is the first trip to Scotland by the East Stirlingshire Exiles club set up by the Malvern man.

"We're very excited by it, we can't wait.

"After about three months of the club, to finally have a result at the end of it is absolutely fantastic," said the 31-year-old.

So far 30 football lovers have joined up to follow The Shire - part-timers who have been the least successful senior club in Britain for the past two seasons - as their second side.

"It was started by me one evening realising there were quite a few people around the UK supporting the club but obviously not attending games," said the Hereford United season ticket-holder, who adopted the Falkirk-based club two years ago.

"So I thought I would set up a supporters' club for people not living in Scotland as a channel to show support and get to a few games."

Attention

"They've attracted a lot of attention because last season they were rubbish. They only won two games.

"The second was on the last day of the season and if they hadn't won it they would have had the worst record in Scottish football ever.

"That was probably where my initial interest came from - I like to watch lower league football and I'm attracted to the underdog."

And like all good fans, Mr Hale - who will be joined on the trip by fellow Malvern resident Dyl Wilkins - has made sure his rose-tinted glasses are in place for today's game.

"This year they've won one and drawn five. It's an improvement.

"They would come off the bottom of the league if they win and the team above them loses," he said.